Interview with Mark, "A Convicted Felon"

[denofruean]

The Point:GIVE HUMAN BEINGS A MOTHERFUCKING SECOND CHANCE!!!!!!

[denofruean]

Mark, I wish you the best.As long as you are a human being, you are going to make mistakes.

[uspardonservices]

You can remove your felony charge with an expungement. 713-489-5808

US Pardons& Expungement Services

[lucidexistance1]

It's tough these days with a felony. Mine was through a drunken mistake where we thought it would be fun to enter an abandoned building. That was years ago and it wasn't so hard getting jobs at first. It's not until the past few years that it's become a real issue. I never get to the interview stage anymore and if I say I'm not a felon, I get interviews and the job but get fired after a couple weeks. I read the "Scarlett letter" when I was younger and well... Let's just say I understand..

[mia0899cs]

@lucidexistance1 That's terrible that this still haunts you today.

[lucidexistance1]

@mia0899cs Shortly after seeing this I did some research and found that I can get mine expunged. I qualify! Just is gonna cost a lot of money. It's renewed my hope though, I was looking to go back into college, but haven't since meeting so many people who went to college because they had a felony and graduated with a degree and couldn't find any work in their field. It's rough times and it's easier and easier to get thrown in jail. I've stayed out of it for years now. Which is why I qualify too.

[mia0899cs]

@lucidexistance1 That's wonderful news! People often change when they get older and more mature. I think some of the most intelligent people I have ever met had been charged at one time with something. The only criminals I see that should have a record forever are child molesters and I'm not talking about about a girl who is 15 and her boyfriend was 18. Good luck to you! You will succeed in life!

[MrBric12]

White boy, this country was made for you. You commited a felony, now deal with it. You were man enough to commit the crime, be man enough to deal with it.

[lucidexistance1]

@MrBric12 Man enough? I'm a felon and I find it to be more emasculating than anything. Where once my skills and experience could land me great work, I can't even get an interview now. It wasn't always even like this. 7 years ago when I first got the felony, I could still find work without much issue. Now I can't even get call backs for fast food. My felony was victim-less, mere drunk shenanigans. I probably could have fought it, but was told I'd get 10 years if I lost. No jail for a guilty plea.

[mia0899cs]

@lucidexistance1 Sorry to hear that!

[tristatenews]

I have arrested alot of heroin addicts. My personal belief is he is still using. I really hope i am not right. I wish him the best. I also think felony drug charges should be removed after 3 years of being clean. Work with your state reps to make a change.

[mia0899cs]

@tristatenews It did seem like he was on something here. He had just arrived and it was morning. I had coffee and he was drinking that. Maybe, he had a hangover. My ex fiance actually stole his girlfriend away from him and he ended up cheating on me for 3 yrs with her. I think he probably did start using again after this happened. I heard he took it very hard because he really loved this girl. I only saw Mark this time and one other time. I heard he's in jail again. People have choices.

[silentfades]

when I was in the postion of hiring folks I have given cons second chances and every time it became a fiasco and never would again nor suggest it

he really knows how to play the victim here it seems in my opinion

[mia0899cs]

@silentfades You're exactly right and from what I heard he didn't change and is in jail again. He's a con artist. Someone recently left a comment about their prior history and they seem very serious. So, I think it depends on the individual, but I agree you can find many con artists who say they have changed but they haven't. I didn't want Mark even knowing where I lived because he has a history of stealing. My ex fiance ended up marrying Mark's ex girlfriend.

[silentfades]

@mia0899cs I sincerely am glad you lived to tell this story

people get killed for being kind :(

[mia0899cs]

@silentfades Thanks! Well, when my ex fiance ended up with Mark's girlfriend, my ex fiance said that Mark left a text message saying that he would shoot me and his reason was to take away something from my ex. Well, he knows I have a rotti and this was 3 yrs ago now. However, this is why I didn't trust him to know where I lived. He's in jail so that's a good place for him. He didn't change and I don't think he ever will.

[Blazeddaze]

I think if you do your time and it isent a violent or sex crime then the felony should be dropped.

[DiCkRiChArDz]

he looks and sounds like he's on something. seems like a nice guy, but you reap what you sow. All you can do is stay positive and do the best you can. No point in bitching about it.

[stevenabb]

Business men look after their business first, the biggest problem is liability. If you get a felony, it is very tough. The only thing felons can do, is find the worst job [concrete form setters, sewage plants, county dump]. If you get a felony conviction, life is SO TOUGH, make your youth choices well if your young.

[goodguy2949]

sounds like he doesnt need a second chance but the right to live and work like all humans .he doesnt oew the world a penny if he is willing to work .liivng wages and the right to live atleast a ghetto should be provided to him .this is why I have seen so much evil in my life .many of the felons dont see themselves as bas people they see the system as bad .wish u good luck mike do what u have to do people relaly dont give a shit peace

[mia0899cs]

@goodguy2949 I heard he went back to jail from my ex fiance who ended up with his girlfriend. She's a piece of shit and so is her dad. She and her dad knew my fiance was living with me and our son who is 9 y.o. now. They carried this affair on for 2 yrs. I kicked him out in November and he got married to her Feb. 20th. They deserve each other and I hope Mark is doing alright.

[fashionhistorylover]

@mia0899cs Why is he in jail?

[mia0899cs]

@fashionhistorylover My ex left with his girlfriend and they are married now. I don't know what Mark did.

[abuyazan08]

join the army they hire felons as long as it has nothing to do with drugs or guns.

[mia0899cs]

@abuyazan08 His ex girlfriend, Stacey, who separated my family joined the reserves and I hope her sorry ass gets deployed soon. Mark should, but I think after Stacey left him for my ex-fiance he went back to drugs and I think he went to jail. She's such a b@@ch that I will never accept her.

[lawsonbank]

You can still vote in Federal elections after you discharge parole, and you can petition for a certificat of rehabilitation from the state after 7 years. not that it matters, believe me I know... I just got refused a job that I was VERY qualified for and was hired by the supervisors with excitment that I was joining thier team. Human recources had another idea though, after a backround check, even though the supervisors vouched and or fought for me to work there, I was over ruled by policy......

[mia0899cs]

I am sorry to hear that you got refused. I was refused so many times. Not because of a felony, but I know how rejection hurts. I didn't have experience was always the reason or someone is more qualified. You never know who is giving you a bad reference. I knew a woman I worked with who was so two faced and would do this. I would think they discriminated. Anyway, I look at it that it wasn't meant to be and another door will open that is better for you.

[XTheGuvX]

I just became a felon in June, and it isn't sitting well with me, but I refuse to go back to doing drugs. I am lucky enough to have a job that doesn't discriminate at all against felons, but it's a family owned restaurant, and not something to spend the rest of my life at, especially having severe hemophilia. I am looking into starting my own business. I'm 23, and this is not where I want to be in life. I have had the worst 2 years of my life, and this is just icing on the cake of feces...

[mia0899cs]

@XTheGuvX Things will get better. I had been at jobs I didn't like, but I stuck it out until I decided that I wanted to go to college. I was 26 y.o. then. I heard there are programs for people who have felony charges. Please check them out. I feel really bad for this guy Mark. I believe he's back in jail. My ex-fiance left me for Mark's girlfriend of 4 years. We even have a 9 y.o. son together. So, yes life can suck! Remember, there's only one way and that's up!

[stealingice]

Its so bad the many bad things that happen in this world, and it all is born out of bad decisions in the family. Had his mom and dad never split, he possibly would have never had that type of experience. I can guess that most of the crime that happens in this world or drug addictions or whatever are a result of bad parenting

[mia0899cs]

I don't blame the parents. I think that's a cop out as most of us have had dysfunctional families even if our parents didn't get a divorce. We have weak minded, influential individuals who are followers and not leaders. Peer pressure has a lot more to do with this problem I believe.

[dwharris757]

Ive got a 6 year old felony Its for drugs. It will never go away. You have to know someone to get and keep a job ive done every job under the sun as a temp but companies wont hire you. You get one chance in this life ill pay till i die, you have no idea how hard life can be. I dont understand why they let me out if I cant live in this world. Ive got a loveing family so im greatfull. Ive also got a 4 year old son that keeps me going, maybe one day things will change!

[mia0899cs]

I'm sorry that you are not given a second chance. I feel you deserve it. It was for drugs. You didn't murder anyone and you're not a child molester. I don't understand this world.

[samael1981]

G-d bless Mark.

[mia0899cs]

I say the same!  I feel really bad for him. I don't see him anymore, but a lot has happened to him from what I heard. His girlfriend cheated on him after she said how much she loved him and he really loved her. I couldn't stand his girlfriend and I knew right away that she was bad news.

[bluballzzz]

people who are felons are garbage scum they can go fuck off and die

[tknockerson]

If you were not convicted of a violent felony, you can get it espunged. Lowered to a misdemeanor, once you complete all probabtiion and pay all fines. He can get that felony reduced. You just gotta go out and get it done. It's not hard to do.

[camcoff]

I was convicted of a felony on a drug charge. That is not violent and my first felony. I cannot get it expunged because I was adjudicated guilty and not adjudicated withheld. So you are wrong it has nothing to do with violence.

[bluballzzz]

people who sell drugs are subhuman

[shit4brains1974]

Good point. The last time I went to court there was about three or four people in there for posession of a controlled substance with attempt to distribute. Them people got sentenced to drug court and the court withheld adjudication. There was this one guy I seen with the same as you charge fleeing eluding'dwi,resisting I think he got 3 years in state prison.

[mia0899cs]

Wow! I think people should be given a second chance. Whatever happened to Christians and forgiving? I really felt bad for him. I heard he was a good worker. He would ride his bike over here every morning or walk a few miles to be on time for work. Mark, definitely isn't dumb. It could happen to anyone. Drug addiction is a vicious cycle. He wasn't dealing.

[bluballzzz]

fuck that bullshit religon life is a war for survivalbyou get one life one chance you fuck up thats ur own falt

[bipolarscott]

I'm sitting here right now thinking about my upcoming court case. I was drunk and my friend called me needing a ride because he had just been in a fight.-While driving I saw a cop coming up behind me. I was about a quarter mile from home and I tried to run. I wasn't really running from him I was just trying to get home. Well I got charged with fleeing with attempt to elude,dui,resisting arrest w/o violence. I realize my stupidity but I believe it sounds worse on paper than what really happened.

[mia0899cs]

That's a tough situation because you were trying to be a good friend. Actually, .08 BAC is nothing. Maybe, they will throw the fleeing w/attempt to elude out. I hope you have a good lawyer. Where I lived, a cop was charged with a DUI and came back to the same police force. he was even in an accident with his girlfriend. So, it happens to people of authority too. It's just not worth even having one drink and driving. I hope they allow you get a work license. People lose their jobs.

[smilingscottsman]

I'm an ex-con from almost 26 years ago. I'm also a gun-owner and formerly one of the top 50 civilian marksmen in the US. I'm the author of the Offenders Restoration Act of 2004 which to this day no Congress-critter has the guts to introduce as a bill. My "horrible" crime against humanity was to make some fire-crackers with black powder. They were not bombs. Any "Official" who trys to stop you from owning a gun should be shot for high treason. Watch for my video responce: Felon With A Gun.

[mia0899cs]

Oh, I see. Very interesting!

[COMAN719]

I Have two Felonys...Life is over for me,I've been looking for a stedy job since I was 18..I'm 23 now!!! Sometimes I feel like giving up,and at some point in time,I do plan too.If my porn bus. doesn't work out then life as I know it is well you get the picture...May GOD bless who ever is a felon right now,because people dont understand what we go through on a daily bases...

[mia0899cs]

Don't give up, please! Please stay away from porn. You won't feel good about yourself deep down. You have to be strong. Can you write a book on your experiences? Things can change. It only takes one step and that's all.

[TexasStyles2U]

This is TRUE!! I am a felon from 5 yrs ago & STILL am struggling. Jail DOESNT rehabilitate you,it only makes you a colder person. Anyone thinking jail is therapuetic for the most part are f'n STUPID & obviously dont know the struggle. Only difference between convicted felons & non- convicted felons.....You didnt get caught

[mia0899cs]

That last line is true! I felt bad for this guy and then my ex left me for his girlfriend. They were in love and together for 4 years. What I hate about this guy, he left a text message so my ex would find it and it said that he was going to hurt our 8 y.o. son. Well, my ex took care of that threat. So, I wish my ex never ran into this guy or his girlfriend and not because we aren't together. I have this feeling that my ex will get hurt. Even though he is tough, he can't stop a bullet.

[RoofFiddler]

I am extremely willing to give people 'second chances'. With that said, there is a world of difference between someone who 'made a mistake' and a deeply broken human being who is prone to severe anti-social behaviors and will be that way for the rest of their lives. Needless to say, plenty of such people find themselves in the ranks of "felon".

It's good policy to give people second chances, but if you're going to do it, you have to be the sort of person who can read people very, very well.

[mia0899cs]

You are right and we have to remember cons are very good at manipulating people. Mark, was one of these if you watch my second vid.

[RoofFiddler]

It's important to distinguish between a "con" and a "person who made a mistake that may have technically been classified a felony".

I view "cons" as criminal personalities with no desire to better themselves or improve their life. They live on the margins with no regard for rules of any kind.

There are folks with felony convictions who are deeply good people, but may have made a mistake as a result of youth, circumstance or a momentary lapse of judgment. They're way different than "cons".

[spartian1218]

im 13 and am being charged with a felony because of a stupid mistake. i am being charged with a 5th degree felony for arson because i had a moltov. If any of you have any suggestions please message me

[mia0899cs]

What do your parents say? Do they have a lawyer for you? The only good thing is that this will not be on your record at 18 y.o. because this happened as a Juvenile and they can never use this again. Hopefully, you will not get into trouble as an adult. Good Luck! Stay away from bad company too!

[AdrianPersonalVideos]

Thanks for sharing the story with us.

[mia0899cs]

Your welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the vid and the story! My fiance left me for his girlfriend. We have a 8 y.o. son and have been together for 9 1/2 years. Quite unbelievable and really bad to do to Mark. I have no idea where Mark is. I hope he is alright.

[cutelovelylisa]

I believe everyone deserves second chances... I mean you only get one life. It isn't right to always stigmatize someone for what they once did. I believe people can change for the better.. I know it is risky because heroin is very addictive and he could easily become addicted again but he still deserves another chance.

[ann011306]

you have to think of this. If he was an addict to herion, and going around people that do It.. A herion addict will always be a herion addict... Think about it.. :D

[mia0899cs]

True! He is a pathological liar. I gave him a chance to prove himself otherwise. Well, he didn't change. He has some nice things about him, and has manners, but until he gets his act together totally I can't allow him into my life. My boyfriend still picks him up for work and he says he is a great worker. He also is afraid of my boyfriend so he won't steal anything here.

[dimebag5462]

Mia0899cs:that is nice of you to help him out but he sounds like he doesnt want to do right but thats not me to judge I have 2 felonies that go back 2 years I have paid my fines done my time done probation went back to school got my G.E.Dand about to return to take a H.V.A.C cource in hope that I can get a job woking with A/C's until then I feel lost of any chance or hope to find a job I dont know if mark is still in trouble but if he changes you have to talk..talk your ass off to the employer

[mia0899cs]

I really think he is a con artist. If you saw my vid response it explains more. I gave him a chance and I don't want him around. I don't think he has learned yet. Maybe, he never will. Good luck to you!

[fashionhistorylover]

People can get off of drugs but they have to really want to.

[yayvid]

that guy is def. on opiates.

[mia0899cs]

He said that he was up until 4:30 a.m. working on his brother in law's car. Well, I found out he does lie. So, it's possible that he was on opiates. I've seen him since this interview and he doesn't always appear this way. He can be very intelligent and alert. He does have manners. I've seen him at stores and how he reacted to others and the elderly. I hope he gets his act together. I don't think he has. Not yet. However, he doesn't have any babies which is great!

[EdYaekle]

stop heroin org (all one word with a period!)

[EdYaekle]

Heroin is insidious. The biggest challenge is that an addict must truly WANT (or be forced) to quit). When dealing with an addict, be slow and cautious to trust. A wise man once said, "You shall know them by their fruits". If a tree bears rotten fruit, don't eat it. I am a former heroin addict and felon (heroin sales). I have been clean for a few years and I run a website to defeat heroin, once and for all. Good lesson in this video. Ed

[Soulsphere001]

This is a very interesting video with some very good points. People who commit minor crimes like this and have already done their time should be allowed to live like any other person.

Although I do understand why people won't hire him now, I really believe that a lot of people who make mistakes, especially in their late teens, probably will learn from their mistakes and be better people once released.

He didn't even hurt anyone else, except himself. I know I'm re-iterating what has been said..

[mia0899cs]

Thank you! However, I don't know if he conned us or tried. I made a vid response because he supposedly stole someone's pot and he said he didn't smoke pot. Then the dealers were after him. His girlfriend came here at 12:45 a.m. the other night looking for him. Then this other guy where he was staying showed up at my house yesterday evening looking for him. I really want him and his girlfriend totally out of our lives. I just don't need the hassle and he can be so sweet. It's sad.

[peaceonearth777]

It was not intelligent to commit another crime yet many after being in prison. You made wrong choices. My neighbor has a half way house that helps young men, and older men get back on their feet after prison. Drugs? Don't make that mistake. Your son may take it? Why? Raise them better. I understand his dilema but these were choises. There are shelters, better than stealing cars. I hope and pray he straightens up.

[mia0899cs]

Well, I hope to God he never gets turned on to heroin. Once he is 18, I can't do anything legally let's put it that way. My son knows how bad drugs are and they reiterate over and over in school. However, the reality is sometimes it happens. Sometimes in college. I talked to a pharmacist who I worked with and he said some kids got to college then flunked out by partying too much. You've seen my son's father and he would take care of any bad influences in our son's life.

[mia0899cs]

I hope and pray her straighens up too. I just made a vid response of what I've been put through in the last couple days because of Mark.

[letthemeatcake69]

I do believe where I live, companies get TAX BREAKS to hire felons and other trash that blows off the street. Mark is a good guy in the wrong place at the wrong time. The justice system is focusing on the wrong people. They should focus on the white collar assholes that launder our money.

[mia0899cs]

I agree with you!

[johnnymoondog]

Maybe he deserves a second chance !

[mia0899cs]

I think he does. He was only 18 and is now 27 years old. He hasn't done anything since then.

[moomay11649]

REALLY good, interesting vid Cindy.

[tomkenn8dy]

If a TEENAGER is homeless and penniless, he has to EAT.

He stole for money, stole a car for SHELTER.

Where is the greater crime?

Great video, Cindy!

Keep 'em coming!!

[mia0899cs]

Thanks Tom! He can't vote either because of his felony record. However, in Vietnam they were taking prisoners to fight. They may have had the choice to be pardoned of their crime, however, it doesn't make sense. Many times there is a plea bargain, and even if you are innocent it just isn't worth the risk of what the jury is going to decide. So, I wonder how many people are walking around innocent with a felony charge. He wasn't in trouble before, it doesn't make sense.

[tomkenn8dy]

They've lowered the standards for military in

this war, too.

Crimes committed by a homeless teenager to SURVIVE are not crimes.

[clucer]

Where is the greater crime? In D.C.

[mia0899cs]

How about it? Did you ever look at who Bill Clinton pardoned? It must be nice to have that power or to know someone who does.

[galaxycat3]

The greater crime is commited by white collar criminals who evade punishment by hiring lawyers who argue successfully to keep them out of jail. instead of addressing the reason for the offending behaviour [ie poverty, little access to paid work, marginalised jobs], the criminal justice system incarcerates people. The rich get richer and the poor get prison. Crimes cmmited by the rich within corporations are rarely investigated and street crime is always at the forefront of tackling crime

[tomkenn8dy]

The biggest criminals are outside the Justice System.

They're the private bankers who own the FED and control most of the money in the world, including Red China.

I can't mention this banking family by name.

Just google Federal Reserve Private Owned and you'll find it.

[mia0899cs]

Yes, Tom, you know I agree with you.

[moomay11649]

Everybody deserves a second chance.  Holy crap! He did 23 months for that minor charge! I know how it is. My step-son

is now in the Fed Pen doing 10 years with NO parole. A Federal sentence does not have parole. Oh no, he has a double addiction. Heroin is a hard drug to kick. I feel so sorry for him. I hope he has a better life in the future.

[mia0899cs]

I know 23 months is a long time. He didn't hurt anyone and it seems like the vehicle was returned in good condition. I'd have to ask him that. I know he has his license. I'm so sorry to hear about your step-son. That is such a long time. People get out in no time for assault and battery, and rape.

[moomay11649]

Well, he does his best when he is incarcerated. He robbed

banks and pharmacies with a toy gun.

He knows he got what he deserved. He just thinks that the Federal Government should have parole.

[harrystrongwood]

This was a great video. GREAT !!!!

I think some people's life is very difficult. It's very different from mine. I do think that it could happen to most people.

[mia0899cs]

Thank you! I would never have known that Mark had a felony charge. He looks clean cut and it has been so many years ago even though he is only 27. I think it could happen to most people. When I look children it would break my heart to ever see any of these kids be introduced to heroin.

[shannoncopley]

i think everyone should get a 2nd chance , except serial killers , child molesters

[mia0899cs]

Thanks Shannon for watching and commenting. I agree with you. If I owned a company, I would hire people who had prior problems with the law. However, except child molesters and serial killers. I noticed looking on the Meghan's list in my area, that there are many child molesters who are hired.

[shannoncopley]

your welcome cindy

[DsmB2007]

I certainly HOPE that serial killers and child molesters would NEVER get out of Prison..so yea, I'd never hire one, but I'd never want one to be coming looking for a job!

But, I agree, there has to be better ways for people to serve their time for felonies yet be able to better assimilate themselves back into society. Especially, those who REALLY have paid their dues and want to start new!

Awesome video Cindy..

vlog'd!

daniel =)

[mia0899cs]

Thank you! Mark really opened up to me and to the whole world. It's also sad that he can never vote again. When I check the Meghan's list in my area, there are people who are registered as child sex offenders working in the area that I live.  This scares me because I have a 7 1/2 y.o. son and he has seen pictures of them. He knows that they look like everyday people. I don't think people should be on the registry if they were 20 with a 17 y.o. I don't feel they are child predators.

[DsmB2007]

I agree Cindy..

The law is TOO fuzzy in this regard!!

To me a Child Molester is a clinically proven predator of children..and yes..under 18 is a child..but they can't call a 20yr old who loved a 17yr old and her parents wanted to file charges..again..VERY VERY cloudy!!!

I feel bad for Mark...I feel that if someone paid their dues to society..perhaps a 1st felony charge needs to be OFF public records, of course..Depends on the felony charge.

Where do we draw the line? soooo difficult!

daniel

[mia0899cs]

Thanks, Daniel! Child molesters never get cured. They really frighten me. I would never hire them. I know they do get hired because I check the Meghan's list and they list everyone that lives and works in your area by putting in the zip code.

[elishot]

it depends about child molesters IMO; not all sexual offenders were after children and some didnt do it. someone who is in their 20s and they were with a 17 year old can be labeled a sex offender, also sometimes what happened can be blown out of proportion or the teen/child could lie. sexual predators are different, but i think each individual person should be analyzed instead of marking them all with the scarlet letter

[mia0899cs]

You do make very good points. It really isn't fair to put someone on the sex offender registry who is 20 and dated someone 17. I totally agree with you.

[elishot]

someone who has raped a 5 year old though, yeah i agree about that and i can definitely understand how a mom would feel about that, or someone who literally has been molesting children

[mia0899cs]

Yes, me too definitely! I wish on the registry they would tell you exactly what happened. They don't. They just list what the charges were.  They say minor for eveyone.

[galaxycat3]

they say you should 'start again' with a claen slate... if you are a 'white collar criminal' you can start your life again, there is a saying by Reimer who wrote on this subject that 'the rich get richer and the poor get prison' for example white collar crime can cause more pain and suffering than burgalries and robberies yet people of certain higher classes are oftne not incarcerated...

[mia0899cs]

Very interesting! That seems to be the case regarding people of higher classes. They are often not incarcerated. They probably have family that own a corporation, so it doesn't affect them. The poor are treated differently.